Why every Kid Needs a Grandparent!

Fun to See Funky Flowers- the Perfect Grandparent and Child activity keep reading to get more information...

I'm a little late posting to this blog and I'm sure a lot of you parents can relate!
The last week of school is a whirlwind of end-of year-school extravaganzas like in my case; a Wizard of Oz play, in which my daughter was Glenda the Good Witch #2- and some of the parents and I scrambled around like chickens without heads getting all the cakes, cookies and drinks for the after-party- and end-of year teacher gifts collecting money(uggh I HATE having to ask other parents for money- I would rather stick pins in my eyes than have to ask a parent who is late or "forgot" to give in her child's share of the money towards the teacher's gift...and then my little Jackson, who had his nursery graduation which he had been practicing for , for umm the past six months- came down with a high fever the night before- and although he seemed fine in the morning, when we got to the graduation two hours later-= he spent the entire time rubbing his eyes, yawning and looking like a miserable mess! You know what they say all the best laid plans never quite work out the way you plan for them to!

But I got to give major props to my parents, for being the best darn grandparents on this planet- they rallied around my little Jack and showered him with gifts and so much TLC- that even though there are moments when I feel that our relationship may be too close for comfort- we tend to be the type of family that is pretty much no holds barred -there are no secrets, no boundaries and sometimes it can get a bit overwhelming, this weekend that is EXACTLY what I needed and my parents were in top form.

So for all you parents who are lucky enough to live close enough to your kid's parents- and actually have a relationship with them, you must check out my Kids in the City Column Bond with your Grandchildren, which gives you the lowdown on pretty fabulous interactive activities that are specifically designed to foster grandchild and grandparent bonding time. And keep reading for even more...

Fun to See Wall Stickers!!

FunToSee
These room make-over kits come complete with giant, pre-cut vinyl stickers(some measuring over six feet) that can be adhered to walls, doors and furniture to create a sensational new world.

Age Range: Two years and older.

Price: $60 for each original sticker kit, $68 for the Disney-themed kits.

What will kids will go gaga for: The ability to transform their rooms into; a jungle safari, outer space a funky flower fest!

Grandparent Perks: No glue, scissors or paint are required. These portable stickers are waterproof, washable, snap on and remove easily, can be reapplied over again and provide grandchildren with a lasting memory of time spent with their grandparents!
Information: www.funtosee.com.

The Joyous Gift of Grandparenting is the cool grandparent's activity and advice guide to bonding with their grandkids!

Whether they see their grandchildren once a month, once a week, or are their primary caregiver, all grandparents agree: today's world can be hectic. It's difficult to plan activities that can nurture their grandchildren and strengthen family bonds while still making those loving, lasting memories.

The Joyous Gift of Grandparenting, a follow-up to the successful The Practical Guide to Weekend Parenting, will help the modern grandparent come up with activities that will inspire their grandchildren's imaginations, open their minds to new ideas and concepts, and help develop their social skills.

Each activity is accompanied by conversation starters, fun facts, and a personal anecdote from the authors. Activities included are suitable for all ages and for various periods of time, and Tips are paired with every activity, discussing grandparent-specific problems, such as:

* the challenges of maintaining a relationship over long distances
* navigating parenting conflicts between grandparent and parent
* helping grandchildren cope with their parent's divorce

Whether they have an hour or a week to plan, this helpful guide will assist the cool grandparent find activities that are both meaningful and enjoyable--for them as well as for the grandkids.

- Age Appeal:
The Joyous Gift of Grandparenting is written with the new generation of "Baby Boomer" grandparents in mind: ages 47 to 67, mainly still in the workforce. Grandparents today are active, well educated, and want to make a lasting impact on their grandchildren. Grandkids of all ages will enjoy the activities; there are even some for teenagers!

- What kids will go gaga for about the book, what they'll love? Kids love having their grandparents join them in discovering the world. Our grandkids (ages 4-9) especially like to explore in the dark with a flashlight, learn new things on the computer, grow any kind of seed they can find, travel to anyplace they haven't been before and quite a few places they have (mining for gemstones is always a hit!) and of course spend a week at the ocean with Grandpa Doug and Grandma Robin! This year, Gavin is 9 and wants to learn to use a surfboard.

- What are the grandparent perks- how will this book help grandparents bond with their grandkids, help foster the relationship with their grandchild? Many of today's grandparents get stuck in a routine when they're with their grandkids. We need to learn to slow down, and not take ordinary things for granted. Our book gives inspiration to pass on the wisdom that we've gleaned, and helps grandparents realize that they hold the keys to the past as well as the future.

- Are there any drawbacks to this book- any kids that it wouldn't be recommended for? Not really; our book has so much variety that you'll find your adult children begging to join in on the fun. While not every child will enjoy every activity, with over a hundred to choose from there's something for everyone.

- Overall: Why is this a perfect way for kids and grandparents to build and help foster their relationship? Not just an activity book, The Joyous Gift of Grandparenting also contains conversation starters and topics to help nurture bonding. Kids love to learn, love to do new things, love to tell about their lives, and love their grandparents. The combination is irresistible and a surefire hit.

- Information: Where can grandparents purchase this book? The Joyous Gift of Grandparenting is available at fine bookstores everywhere and at all of the popular online bookstores. For a signed copy, visit our website at www.HewittsBooks.com.